davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-10

spread over the entire adjacent marsh. This
fostering mass, under the summer suns, would
have produced In less favored localities an annual
plague.
The work thus far accomplished has to q great
extent remcdied this evil 4 number OF reputable
physicians have within the past year experienced
in their practice perceptible decrease in the
prevalence OF miasmat1c and malarfal diseases
particularly in that section OF the city west OF
1. n street and south OF Pennsylvania avenue
They do not hesitate TO attribute the sanitary i'm
provement to the reclamation OF Potomac flats The
present exposed condition OF the partially filled
mats, however, have a tendency TO send forth noX-
fous gases. causing ill health and disease, and
although the dangers have been materially les
sened as the work has progressed, this very I'm.
prOvement is a strong argument for the necessity
OF pushing the work to early completion in order
that the city may be rid entirely or the flats nut.
SaDce, which has been, probably, the only reason
for calling Washington malarious.
THE WORK AS SANITARY MEASURE.
Health Officer TOwnshend when asked to-day by
STAR reporter his opinion OF the importance OF
the Potomac flats improvement from a sanitary
point OF view, remarked: 'sYou cannot use Ian.
guage too strong TO express my position on that
subject. 1t is OF the utmost Importance to the
city. There is as much need now for continuing
the work as there was originally for beginning It
and at that time you know every one demanded II
as sanitary measure, as well as a measure that
would remove an unsight!y blot and add to the
beauty OF the national capital.
Undoubtedly the work so far as It has gone has
been In some measure beneficial, but it has
reacneu stage WHERE IL SnOulQ De puSheQ 10r-
ward without delay. The rank vegetation that
grows upon the half-filled flats is as bad in SAM.
tary point or view as the growth before the work
or nllfng began. IL decays and becomes q source
OF evil We have to have 1t burned of once or
twice year. The health department has always
urged the Importance OF this work" The health
officers report for 1878 strongly urged the i'm
provement Of the river front and the abatement OF
the great nuisance, 'the na1s," with their hun
dredS OF acres OF swamp
II Congress. realizing the necessity Of haste and
the dependence OF the community upon it, would
give with a generous hand Tor this work at the
present session, there would be no more cost to
the government in the end and the work could be
prosecuted with vigor until IL is out OF the tmmi-
nent danger OF being entirely ruined.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-10

s.O 1ssS sssS VI tAAC utMCIx4l k1uOA1C First
To the Editor of the EVENING STAR
judging by the protests Of property owners resi-
dents OF 18th and 18th streets against railroads
one would conclude that these people imagine
that they possessed certain rights over and above
other citizens OF the District by virtue of owning
OF occupying adjacent property. Now 1t has been
leld over and over again that this is not the case
Juoge van Brunt, OF the supreme court of New
YORK, only last Monday in the case of property
owners adjacent to the proposed "Arcade road"
decided, ~ fan to find any authority under which
occupants OF any part OF public Streets whether
ABOVE or below the surface, have any vested rights
The Zee OF streets is in the municipality in trust
forever" " " WV
The Commissioners are reported in THE STAR as
Delng ADVERSE 10 railroads on such n0rr0U streets
as l2th and 18th streets. Now the fact Is that
these streets are both wider than 9th or h streets
Of course since the curbs have been arbitrarily adj
Vanced into the carriageway-thuB giving to pr1-
Vate parties for exclusive private use in the shape
OF PARKS part OF the public thoroughfare for which
use these parties pay no tax and half the time
DON'T even keep them in decent conditiOn-these
streets nave been narrowed-that is, the public
mas oeeE robbed OF the right OF way OF onethfrd of
q MgnWay secured TO 1t, forever, by the general
governments Ihese seem to be cases where the
trust referred to by Judge Van Brunt has been vO-
lated All the Commissioners have to do to keep
railroads out OF streets where the adjacent property
owners don't want them, is to move the curb It is
strange that they never thought OF this when the
people OF South Washington wanted to get rid of
the steam railways.
The people OF one part OF this city have as much
ngnC 10 travei over street in any other part as
those residing on such street, and the question is
one to be settled by the whole people and not ex-
clusively by the owners and residents adjacent to
the particular street. A SuBsCRIBRR
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-10
Virginia channel into the tidal reservoir must be
erected Immediately afterwards.

Virginia channel into the tidal reservoir must be
erected Immediately afterwards.
WHEN THE WORK CAN GO SLOWLY.
When once section = is in a well-advanced condi-
ton, when it is high enough and strong enough TO
keep off the water coming down the main channel,
only allowing enough to come into the tidal reser-
vOir for flushing the Washington channel then the
work can be continued leiSurely without constant
fear that what has been done may be undone, the
entire project retarded and valuable time prove to
have been wasted.
VALUE OF THE RECLAIMED LAMBS.
'Will the reclaimed land be worth the cost of re-
claiming it?" asked The STAR man.
"Eyery bit OF 1t, and more too," was the reply.
..The government isn't spending money without
the certainty OF a full return The reclaimed land
Will form beautiful park OF nearly three hundred
acres, which will form continuation OF the mali.
II the government had been unwilling to under
take the project there would have been no diff
Guilty in finding contractors willing to assume all
expenses IL allowed to become owners OF the land
received an offer, informally, to that effect. 1t
would have made very nice little speculation for
the eontractors- The Secretary OF War realized
the necessity for generous appropriation for the
river front improvement for Immediate use. and
made strong Recommendation to that effect in
his annual report TO the President. II members OF
Congress who are interested in the matter would
take the trouble to visit the fats, / think they
would see ut once that 800 900 will not he SufIi-
cent sum to put the work our OF danger and save
the Washington harbOr from destruction"
THE SANITARY POINT OF VIEW
II for no other reasons than sanitary consider
ations the successful progress OF the work should
not be impeded. Washington has a population OF
nearly q quarter OF million. Before this I'M
portant work was undertaken ever Oney or this
vast number daily breathed AN atmosphere laden
with the nOxiOus gases which were generated
from the unwhOlesOme river flats when the wind
was from that quarter. The sewerage OF almost
the entire city was deposited upon the flats in
such manner that its deadly poison returned
daily to endanger the lives and health OF the peo-
pie. AS shown by the accompanying map, the B.
deDsely- populated portion OF the city, empties
directly at the foot OF 18th Street. just below the
Presidential Mansion. The sewage has heretofore
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-10

canal" he continued, evil contain the tidal reSer
Vor which Is to supply the Washington channel
with fresh water, and this section, when COM
pleted is to turn the current into the Virginia
channel. 1t must be made sufficiently high and
sufficiently firm to do this. The Virginia channel
TOO, must be dredged to a Suffi lent depth and
width to enable it to carry off an increased flow OF
water.
NO EXPENDITURES ON DISPUTED GROUND.
There are no claims to the title OF any part OF
section 2, and no valid objection to the proposed
expenditure Of money could be raised that score
The claims are all On section l, above the sewer
canal Indicated In the map by the line ABB
Money could be spent to advantage on sec.
ton l, but until the title claims are settled ii
can be allowed to remain as it is. Section g. be.
low Long bridge, requires dredging and filing and
some Of the money could be spent there: but sec
ton 2 Is the one that demands immediate atten:
ton. II 1T is put in good shape, the waters would
be pushed OF on to the Virginia shore, and the
hats improvement and the Washington harboI
There Is an idea that the work can progress only
so fast because or its nature, one part being SO
dependent upon anOthers completion that only
| a mistake. The limited appropriations heretofore
have neceSsitated limited number OF contracts.
II was necessary to make but few contracts, be.
cause they had to be large in order to offer any
inducements for contractors to enter upon the
work.
NUMBER OF CONTRACTS AT ONCE.
II had the 100000 needed could put it all
probably out in a number OF contracts imme-
u!dlciy, 81 Iudt aS SUN do lie weather permits
the entire work could be prosecuted with vigOr,
and by next summer there would be perceptibl1
change in the appearance OF things. The Virginia
Channel above Long bridge must be dredged in
order to afford sufficient cross-section for the
proper discharge OF the water which now partly
finds its way through the Washington channel.
Most OF the material dredged would be deposited
on section 9, but some Of IL could be conveyed on
to section B. just below the Long bridge The tidal
reservoir, which is already outlined by embank-
ments, must he dredged thoroughly and the ma
terlal placed around it. All the reclaimed land
fronting On the Virginia channel must be protected
with rip rap embankment, as we'll as the edges OF
the tidal reservoir The outlet gates leading from
the tidal reservoir into the Virginia channel must
be built and then the inlet gates leading from the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-10

lost sight of that the appropriation made now
must last until year from next July or August,
and harbOr bill is generally one of the last to
ceive the final action Of Congress. One hundred
m to
expend, even with what is left after this years
contracts are completed will not begin to put the
AS l said, 1t is now at its most critical stage,
when all the money that can possibly be spared
should be expended on the project at once. Now
priation, which would enable me to put the work
out OF danger, future appropriations could be
made less lav1shly. The work will cost just sc
much money under any circumstances and 1t
would seem to be poor policy to dole out the funds
Dy dr1bletS and run the risk OF the destruction OF
all that has been accomplished, when little gen
dollars.
THE DANGERS.
There is constant danger from floods, freshets
and ice gorges, and everything possible ought to
dangerous time is not confined to winter or spring
1t Is all the time and any time The biggest freShet
on on reeoTd that OF 1877 occurred in the fall jus.
nearly so great as that was.
THE RESULTS
The water would sweep across the fats between
the sewer canal and Long bridge and carry large
quantities Of the material which has been demos
lied s there down into the Washington channel.
The filling OF section 9 would all have to be done
over again, and Washington channel would have
to be redredged The Washington harbor which
has been quite extensively dredged would be Sc
riously damaged and perhaps destroyed. While
the MI on section is pretty high now, it could
not stand water sweeping over It. The material
when 1t Is deposited is mixed with water, and it
lakes long time for 1t to thoroughly dry out so
That water pouring over it would be certain to dis
lodge large quantities and sweep 1t along until it
would ind convenient place in which it would
be deposited"
WHERE TEE MONEY IS TO CO.
''HoW Will you expend most OF the needed money
II 1t Is appropriately" asked the STAR man.
Il VIII put it right into section and the Viz
ginia channel" replied Col. Hams 'sThe part OF
the mats between the Long bridge and the sewer
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-10

canal, would suffer the most because of its ex-
posed condition just at present. This is the Sec
structed, and, as shown by the map, it is already
outlined. II is the section also which is to turn
| the divided flow OF water from the Washington
channel into the Virginia channel. In its present
unfinished condition 1T would be unable to do this
in case OF a Hood or freshet. Immediately OppO-
site this section there Is curve in the main chan
mel OF the river requiring this part of the work to
bear the brunt Of attack from high water, endeav-
oring to find an accustomed outlet through the
secondary or Washington channel. This WASH
ingtOn channel is still open, and the filling on
tion is naturally in an unstable condition, not
having suiiciently dried to be waterproof.
THE RESULT OF FLOOD.
In case of a freshet the water would naturally
push its way through section 2 to the Washington
channel, carrying with it large quantities of the
material which has been dredged at so much ex-
pense and labor, and depOsiting it in the Washing
ton haTbOr, where it would find convenient rest
ing place, by reason Of the basins being wide at
the upper and middle portions and narrow at the
10 lower end n near ear Arsenal point The situation
was described by Col. Hams to STAR reporter the
other day.
COL HAMS VIEWS
When the reporter asked him if the proposed
appropriation Of 100000 was sufficient for con-
t1nuing the work he replied with derisive smile:
ut Is not nearly enough. recommended 500 600
In my annual report as the amount that could ba
probably expended, but there ought to be all of
100000 appropriated at once for the protection
OF the work already accomplished There seems
10 DE an Impression prevailing" he continued,
''that funds amounting to about $780, are at
present available for continuing the work, and
that with paltry sum in addition there viii be
an ample supply for prosecuting it as rapidly as
there is any need OF doing NoSy that,s oil a ypi-
take. ~
THE FINANCIAL CONDITION,
Nearly one-third OF the amount is due contract
OTIS Tor work already performed, and final payment
only awaits final measurement. The greater part
OF the other twothirds is tied up in existing con-
tracts ana set aside for contracts soon to be en-
lered inlO so that by the end OF the present fiscal
year there wont be left on hand over fifteen or
twenty thousand dollars The fact must NOT no
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-10
Virginia Politicians Comforting.
THE BLAIR BILL AND THE REPEAL OF THE TOBAC(

Virginia Politicians Comforting.
THE BLAIR BILL AND THE REPEAL. OF THE TOBACCO
TAX.
The Richmond Despatch says: Saturday night
the governor had conference in Washington city
with MI. Barbour, several other members of the
Virginia delegation in Congress, Gen. Payne, Gen.
Tai1aferr0, Mr.. GOode, and Mr.. Blair, member OF
the state committee from Danville and other lead
Ing Virgfnians 1t was agreed that the meeting
should be kept from the newspaper men, and SO it
was for few days. II is however, now known
that Gov. Lee urged upon the Congressman to do
all In their power to pass the Blair BILL and to
secure the repeal OF the internal revenue tax on
tobacco and fruit brandy. He said that he was in
receipt OF letters from all parts OF the state, and
was also constantly seeing citizens of all the
counties, and that in his opinion Virgtnians ex-
pected these measures OF relief his views were
heartily concurred in. The Virginia members will
!eave no St0nd unturned to meet the just expecta-
ions OF their constituents; but far the House
OF representatives is concerned IT. large body.
~ moves slowly, and members cannot always get
Ine moor to make motions But our members will
do what they can.
From talk about national affairs the transition
70 virginia matters was easy. 1t was remarked
InaI II the United States Supreme Court decides
LOT US In the habeaS corpus cases our condition
VIII Oe much improved; II not, we will be where
we are to-day.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-10

DARING GAN} OF AMERICAN THIEVES IN THE CITY.
Al the Odd Fellows concert in Montreal Tuesday
night the governor general delivered an address,
which was warmly received. The festivities OF
the evening embraced q fancy dress carnival at
the Victoria rink, which was attended by the gov
ernOr general President Garrett, of the Baltimore
and Ohio railroad; EraStus Wiman and q diStin-
guished party OF Americans. A stranger attend
Ing the carnival was found dead on the street
Tuesday.
A daring gang of American thieves is in the city
attending the carnival Tuesday evening they
smashed the plate glass windows in StOddart's
jewelry store, held the doors closed by pine
diamonds and rings They afterward repeated the
operation at another jewelry store Mc(ll street.
This was done while the streets were crowded
with people, but no arrests were made. 1t is ru-
mOred that q plot to rob the Bank of Montreal by
the same gang has been discovered.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-10
The Early Closing Movement i'm Eng.
land.

mo A/GAGAy OAOOsha8 AAVVCaAkCAAS Al AA0$
land.
From Sir John Lubbock, in Good Words.
just let us consider what fourteen hours OF
work means. We cannot reckon less than eight
for sleep, which only leaves two for dressing and
undressing, for supper, and for going to and from
the shop. This abSOrbs the whole twenty-four
hours, and not q moment is left for amusement OF
self-impr0vement forfresh air family life for any
OF those occupations which cheer, brighten and
ennoble hfe-in fact, we literally say that not
only have shop assistants not moment to
themselves, but they are SO hard worked that
at the end Of the week they are Mt to drop
If shop assistants had greater opportunities
Of intellectual, moral and spiritual improve
Is considerably Increased by the fact that the un
fortunate assistants have to stand the whole
time. This long standing is a terrible evil. How
fact that though customers remain in shop for
so comparatively short time they are invariably
accommodated with seats. Considering, however,
and their customers, it must be admitted that the
seats are on the wrong side Of the counter Hap
P and er 20
no snc n d a, I believe the shop:
may be said, why not leave the matter in their
hands? Because IN almost every case the arrange
mens 1o re cary csC9g have been rendered n1a
among the sh0pkeepers.. Over and over again the
shOpkeeperS tn given district have been anxious
to close, and have all agreed to do so with, per
haps, single exception. But that single excep-
ton Is fatal One after another the rest gradually
open again, the whole thing breaks down, and
thus small minority tyFanniZe over he rest. II
seems clear that nothing but legislation can rem.
edy the evil Voluntary action has been tried
and failed over and over again, and the al
most unanimous opinion q the witnesses
examined before the house OF comm ons commit.
Tee was thst = VS. nope,e@ 70 expect any short
present position OF affairs and as Have said The
general feeling Of the shopkeeping community b
In favor OF legtslation. Even so long ago as 1873
the ShOpkeepefs who came to me wit reference t(
the bill / then proposed expressed tn emselves II
favor Of general co@pulsory closing I then
this f00liuQ ia,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-10

From the st. Paul Pioneer Press.
Inc central Deanery cOnvOcatiOn held its final
session Friday last, when Bishop Gilbert ordained
10 the deacOnate Jos. Wak-a-Z0O, a Winnebagosh-
1sh Indian. 1t was Bishop Gilbert's first ordina-
lion service. The young Indian, clad in a snowy
Wnlte surpl1ce, took seat on the chancel plat
form, attended by the Rev. Mr.. Gilfllan. The
Dishop, before proceeding to the ordination ser
wees gave brief address, the concluding words
OF which were directed to the candidate for orders
ae reminded the young Indian that he stood as the
representative OF very ancient people In this
country; that this people would look upon him, as
their spiritual teacher and exemplar, with greater
reverence and expectation than they would regard
sna wnite preacher; that his responsibility was
therefore very great. Mr. Gilflllan then presented
tne candldate and the service was carried forward
IN accordance with the ordinal. After the bishop
na9 laid his hands on the head of the candidate
ana presented him with q New Testament the
!atter went within the altar rails. stole was
then placed across his right shoulder and he read
Ine prescribed gospel slowly, but very accurately,
In English. Then followed the celebration OF the
C 1s which completed the impressive ser
wees Wak-a-Zoo, the deacon, has been lay
worker among the people OF his race for some time
ana am VIII return to them and continue his labors
ne Is Wen educated and the bishop says he passed
as good an examination as any white man who
na0 ever been admitted to orders
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-10

east OF warsaw, Ind, party OF hunters yesterday
found the muttlated Nmains OF Perry Durham,
near his residence. In his house they discovered
Durham, near by, was badly cut and insens1ble
The hogs had eaten Dunham's face and horribly
mutflated him. Mrs. Durham has eight wounds
all made with knife. The child's throat was cut
from ear to ear and 1t Lay ON the floor SIX feet from
its mother. The theory OF the murder Is that IL
was done for robbery, as few days ago Durham
had sold 200 bushels OF wheat for $50 ana some
calves for 500. Only nine dollars was found in
the house. Mra Durham later recovered enough
to ask II her husband was hurt, too" and q few
minutes after said s'the two men win leave In Q
few minute&"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-10

from the st. James Gazette.
MAJOR Sophus Setback, an ofdcer in the Danish
army, on the subject Of phyNognomical indica-
lions. TO which his position as inspector OF re-
cruits has led him to devote considerable share
OF attention. Major Setback agrees with Aristotle
In putting his faith in noses He can make good
guess at mans constitution from the size and
invariably indicating superior chest capacity and
power Of lungs II is still more accurate index
once to the most and least mobile portions of the
laIe It faithfully rejects the most fugitive move
menus l OF the mind. In the child the nose Is the
the phyMognOmy. It Is not TIL the Intellectual
IaculueS come into play that the nasal organ
acquires its characteristics. SavageS have no
noses worthy OF the name. Major Schack's 0bSer-
vaIons lead him TO conclude that small and
retr0usse nose betokenS cunning and me60o; q
straight and thin nose, taste and delicacy; an
aqMnne nose, Judgment. reason and eg0t1sm;
Mniie shapeleB and clumsy nasal pr0tuberance
almost always indicates intellectual dizziness and
want or s0U0dr Jdire.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-10

A SMALL BoY CONVICTED or ABDucrToN.-Max
Quftman, q smoo6h-faced little boy, who says he
Is eighteen years old, was convicted in the general
sessions ia New York Tuesday OF having abducted
crime September Ia lisa was les than sixteen
years OF age. The jury recommended the prisoner
strongly 70 the mercy Of the court. Recorder
6myth sentenced Quitman TO the Elmfra reforma-
tory, refusing TO allow him 70 marry the girl as re-
paratton. The recorder SAID that QuitmAn would
have TO walt until he gOt out Of the eformAtOry.
He viii get out In two or three pears II he behaves
himself, but then he won't have 20 marry the girl
As soon as he Il able, Father Mc0lynn win vifat
FORTRESS Monroe 70 yecuperate.